Skip Navigation

COVID HACKS

A Science-based Curriculum for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Associated Resource Collection
COVID-19

COVID Healthy Actions, Community Knowledge, and Science (HACKS) curriculum resources address critical science and health concepts and skills related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons are available for different grade bands: K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12.

COVID HACKS teaching resources engage students in key science and engineering practices, such as asking questions, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing or interpreting data, and communicating scientific information. Search the list below for topics relevant to your students.

  • What are Infectious Diseases?

    What are Infectious Diseases?Lesson

    Students will conduct research using online text resources and media related to infectious and non-infectious diseases and compare the prevalence of different diseases across countries with different income levels.

  • Can Drops Travel in Air?

    Can Drops Travel in Air?Lesson

    Students will investigate the number of water droplets that make “contact” with a wall from different distances when propelled in a manner that simulates a sneeze or cough.

    Grades: K-2

  • The Eyes Have It

    The Eyes Have ItLesson

    Students identify the emotions projected by the eyes in a series of photographs, then try their hand at creating their own face images, in the style of emojis.

    Grades: K-2

  • The More the Merrier?

    The More the Merrier?Lesson

    Students use powdered drink mix in plastic cups to simulate disease transmission in different-size crowds.

  • Clean Hands Knock Out Germs!

    Clean Hands Knock Out Germs!Lesson

    Washing hands correctly kills germs that cause disease. This lesson explains why washing hands is important and how to clean hands correctly.

    Grades: K-2

  • Rewind, Reflect, Fast-Forward

    Rewind, Reflect, Fast-ForwardLesson

    Students will compile key events in the COVID-19 pandemic timeline, learn where to find accurate national and state COVID-19 statistics, and reflect on how the pandemic has affected their lives.

  • Life Is Different Now

    Life Is Different NowLesson

    This school year is different in so many ways for everyone, whether students are learning at home “virtually” or in a face-to-face classroom. In this activity, students will reflect on how life has changed for them during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Grades: K-2

  • Masking Up!

    Masking Up!Lesson

    Students discuss the importance of wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic and learn best practices for wearing and removing a face covering.

    Grades: K-2

  • Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

    Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

    Students conduct research using online text resources and media to explore how the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads from person to person.

  • What Is Coronavirus?

    What Is Coronavirus?Lesson

    Students gather information online to explore differences between viruses and cells and to learn about the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

Funding

The COVID HACKS curriculum project is made possible thanks to the support from Laura & John Arnold and Baylor College of Medicine. Scientists, educators, and physicians from Baylor College of Medicine provided content, feedback, and technical reviews.